32nd Ward Newsletter: March 18, 2022
Dear Neighbor

Street Sweeping starts April 1st. See the map and links here to set your calendar for your block's cleaning dates. Residents and groups interested in volunteering for the April Clean and Green are asked to first identify a worksite, and then call the aldermanic office or 3-1-1 to register their volunteer group.
DSS street sweepers clear debris and leaves that have accumulated during winter months from residential and arterial streets across the City starting April 1. Please help us keep the machines running well by clearing heavy debris away from curbs and sewers before the sweepers hit the roads.

The Sunflower Run is a virtual 5K that will directly benefit the Ukrainians in need! You can run, walk, bike or even swim to show your support. The event is part of efforts of the Eckhardt Park PAC to support Ukraine at a time of need. 🌻All proceeds will go directly to Ukranian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Illinois Division. A relief fund has been set up to help Ukranians with humanitarian aid during these hard times. Visit the site to learn more.

The Chicago Park District is hosting a series of public town halls to receive feedback on their new accountability model, the Office of Protection. There are three meetings, two in person and one virtual. Patrons are encouraged to attend or provide feedback on this CPD initiative to change the culture in the Park District.

Read further for updates on some infrastructure projects, mental health services provided by the City and NAMI, many upcoming events and the public safety town halls on schedule in the near future.

Have a nice weekend,

Scott Waguespack
Alderman
Community Town Hall Meetings with
Chicago Park District

The Chicago Park District is hosting a series of public Town Halls to receive feedback on our proposed Office of Prevention and Accountability and other efforts we are undertaking to ensure that the Park District prioritizes safety and accountability. The lifeguard abuse scandals that plagued the park district for decades was in part due to lack of appropriate actions by leadership as well as wholly deficient policies.


Please join us for a presentation from Interim General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño and an open conversation on how to build a better and stronger Park District.

To view the code amendments creating the Office of Prevention and Accountability and provide public comment online, visit Chicagoparkdistrict.com/code-amendment-notice

MEETING: Monday, March 21, 6:00 pm Horner Park 2741 W. Montrose Ave.

MEETING: Thursday, March 24, 6:00 pm Fosco Park 1312 S. Racine Ave

VIRTUAL: Tuesday, March 29, 6:00 pm Virtual JOIN HERE

Registration is not required for these Town Halls.

Working with several aldermen and Mayor Lightfoot's Office, we have moved forward on a feasibility study on the proposal to create the North Branch Park and Preserve. There will be a planning firm selected within the next couple of months with the hope of having the feasibility study done later this year.
Many of you were part of the effort to build more open public space in the area, and this feasibility study will part of that ongoing effort.

I put out a joint statement with Alderman Michele Smith regarding the feasibility study earlier this week, and we'll continue to work with colleagues and the Mayor's Administration to promote the park space here, and in the other parts of the City that are lacking in such public space for all Chicagoans.

"The announcement today regarding North Branch Park is a giant step towards a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide the people of our community, and the entire city, with a world-class green space. Green spaces are so vital. Studies, like those done at the University of Illinois and University of Virginia show they contribute to public safety by 'removing mental fatigue and feelings of violence and aggression.' Additionally, the pandemic reminded us how critical it is for all of us to have access to open spaces and our river--places we can go outside of our homes and have recreational and leisure opportunities at a safe distance. Projects like this, as well as the African American Heritage Water Trail on the Little Calumet River, are critical and will link all areas of the city band our shared history via our waterways.

This is a great example of activists, including the dedicated people at OpenLands, Friends of Parks, and others, working together with local leaders to find ways to make our city a safer and better place to live for everyone."

For more information on the plan that neighborhood and citywide groups are advocating for, visit https://www.northbranchparkpreserve.org/coalition-members.

Throughout the last few years, we have continued to work and support the efforts of communities that live near our rivers. Take a look at the vision for the park and preserve here.
COMMUNITY NOTICE:
LIQUOR MORATORIUM LIFT REQUEST
Fullerton Avenue- Logan Square
 
This notice is to make you aware that 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Rosa Ramirez are considering lifting a packaged goods moratorium on Fullerton from Kedzie to Kimball. A moratorium restricts additional licenses to be issued; see below:
 
4-60-023 Restrictions on additional package goods licenses.
   (35.15)   On West Fullerton Avenue, from North Kedzie Avenue to North Kimball Avenue. (Added* Coun. J. 10-16-13, p. 61797, § 20)
 
The reason for this consideration is that the owner of Vishnu Foods, 3235 W. Fullerton, would like to sell their store to another entity. In order for the new owners to get their licenses and continue the business as is, they need the moratorium lifted. Once a moratorium is lifted, it must stay in place for at least one year, but the Aldermen could choose to put it back in effect after that point.
 
We are distributing this flyer in order to get community input about any concerns in taking this step. If you would like to express your opinion about this decision, please contact your respective Alderman:
 
For 32nd Ward residents, please direct any comments, concerns, or questions to Elizabeth Gomez, elizabeth@ward32.org, or call her at 773-248-1330.
 
For 35th Ward residents, please direct any comments, concerns, or questions to Billy Drew, billy@aldermancarlosrosa.org, or call him at 773-985-3510.
 
Please feel free to share this information with your neighbors. We will be collecting feedback until Monday, March 28th.
 
Thank you for your consideration.

City of Chicago Department of Public Health

As we come out of two years of the pandemic, many people have requested assistance with mental health support from the City. The City of Chicago does have programs, services, and contact info for those in need and we list some of that here. For more information, please feel free to reach out to us, or to the Chicago Department of Public Health directly at 311, or call or text NAMI Chicago Helpline at 833-626-4244 to explore your options.

Too often, dealing with a mental health challenge is a silent, internal struggle – but it doesn’t have to be. Even though the moments in which we need help the most can be the hardest ones to ask for it, you’re not alone. We understand that sometimes you need a shoulder to lean on, which is why the City of Chicago is committed to supporting your mental health with the resources it takes to keep our communities well.

Mental health challenges are different for everyone, from symptoms to severity, but no matter where you’re at you can always ask for support. It’s important to know how to recognize some common signs that signal it’s time to seek help. For assistance or to learn more visit https://mentalhealth.chicago.gov.
Public Safety Section

Last week’s Community Safety Virtual Town Hall was recorded and can be watched by clicking here.

A second north side meeting will be re-convened in person on Tuesday, April 5 from 6-8 pm at Truman College. The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to collaborate with one another to identify key priorities. There will also be a Q & A period where community members will be able to hear directly from City Officials. You can register for this event HERE. 
Until further notice, all CAPS meetings will be held virtually. If you are in the 14th or 18th District, please email your district in order to get the Zoom link to your specific meeting and to sign up for other community alerts and updates about public safety.

March CAPS Meetings
 
14th Police District- 
1432- March 23, 6:30pm
caps.014district@chicagopolice.org
14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261

19th Police District-
  
1931- March 22, 6:30pm
Meeting ID- 848 3987 1419
Passcode- 486209
 
Caps.019district@chicagopolice.org
19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064

The City is hosting in-person region-based town halls to hear violence prevention strategies, ask questions, share feedback and inform future plans.

Youth Focused Town Hall
Date: Saturday, April 2nd
Location: Harold Washington Library Center - Winter Garden
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Time: 10 AM

Central Region Town Hall
Date: Saturday, April 2nd
Location: Harold Washington Library Center - Winter Garden
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Time: 2 PM

North/Northwest Side Town Hall
Date: Tuesday, April 5th
Location: Truman College Gymnasium
1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Time: 6 PM

Click here for the full calendar and registration.

COMMUNITY POSTCARD CAMPAIGN

Tackling crime issues has to be a multi-jurisdictional effort, with the city, county, and state working together on solutions to reduce crime in the City. Neighborhood organizations have set up a postcard program to get other elected officials and entities working together to help reduce crime. The postcards are pre-addressed. Please write about your personal experience with crime and why the city needs the support of our Cook County State's Attorney and judges to make it all work. Click here for more information about the campaign.
APPLY TO BE AN ELECTION JUDGE!

The Chicago Poll Worker Connection allows Election Judges to apply online, see their assignment details, and see training details. You can apply at pollworker.chicagoelections.gov.

Election Judge pay will be $230 for each Judge who completes the online training and serves successfully on Election Day; $170 for each Judge who serves successfully on Election Day without completing the online training program; $255 for each returning Judge who completed the online training prior to the November 2020 Election, who completes the online training, and serves successfully on Election Day.
 
California Water Main Project Update
 
Water main installation started on Tuesday, March 16 at Diversey and is heading south towards Schubert. Next week, they will continue with the water main installation across and south of Schubert going towards Logan.
 
Southbound traffic lanes are closed during construction from 9am-4pm. An open lane in each direction is available on the existing northbound lanes during construction (Diversey to Logan).
 
The contractor is sweeping and cleaning up site at the end of each day and placing temporary pavement within driving lanes.
 
No water main shutdowns are expected for next week. No conflicts have been discovered so far. Project moving along as planned.

Should you have any questions or concerns, you can either ask the construction foreman during the project, or call any of the following numbers:
 
  • 24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311
  • DWM Office of Public Affairs: 312-744-6635
  • 32nd Ward Office: 773-248-1330
 
If you would like to receive regular email updates about the progress of these projects, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to register for project notifications. Simply enter your name, email address, and the project identification number (1901060). By signing up for the project notifications, you will be informed as the project enters each new construction phase - from mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.
Armitage Water Main Projects

Armitage, Western to Kedzie- The first crew installed 94' of 12" pipe and replaced 1 catch basin between Kedzie and Humboldt Blvd; they will continue installation of the new water main along this stretch. The second crew installed a total of 130’ of 12” pipe starting from NE corner of Humboldt Blvd going east. They will continue installation of the new water main between Humboldt Blvd and California.
 
There are no trees scheduled to be removed and no ComEd manholes to be relocated at this stage. There are no scheduled water service shutdowns for this week. West bound traffic on Armitage between Western and Kedzie remains closed until completing the installation of the new water main on the north side of the street.

Armitage, Paulina to Western- Restoration work will resume weather permitting to finish the remaining sidewalks and resurfacing the street.
UPDATE: Peoples Gas Project on Ashland, Belmont, Lincoln and Surrounding Neighborhood Streets
 
Ashland Liner phase 1: NPL mobilizing to this phase on Monday 3/21. They are going to start at Ashland & Wellington and work south boring in the main. They’ll cross at Wolfram and then work west to Paulina next. George/Oakdale is still a few weeks out for main install.

Ashland Liner phase 2: Crews will begin lining the 20” main in the NB lane of Ashland next week from Wellington to Belmont. Expect daily lane closures for the next 4-6 weeks similar to what has been occurring over the last few weeks. Service transfers & cuts have been completed along Ashland with a couple of exceptions. Remaining services still need to be installed on Barry and a short stretch at Paulina. No start date on those just yet.
2022 Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Input Requested

Read the draft plan and offer feedback on specific sections using the Feedback Form link below. For general questions or comments about the draft CAP, email the Sustainability Team at chicagocap@cityofchicago.org or leave a message on the CAP hotline at 312-744-0100.

Bucktown Spring Clean Up!

The Bucktown Community Organization is gathering again for our annual neighborhood spring cleaning, Saturday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Please email bucktown@bucktown.org with ideas of where we should clean: alleys, under the highways, heavy trafficked sidewalks, etc. and if you would like to participate.

In Person Meeting on Legal Issues- Property After Death
Next week, Commissioner Degnen is hosting a Property After Death Forum with Cook County Clerk Yarbrough, Senator Martwick, and Representative LaPointe at the Copernicus Center (5216 W Lawrence Ave) Thursday March 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. The program will discuss how to transfer personal property after death, without the cost of hiring an attorney and drafting a will. The event will have volunteer expert attorneys present for a question and answer session after the presentation. Two Polish interpreters from the Clerk's office will be translating the entire event, including their slide deck presentation, into Polish. We hope that this will be an extremely helpful event for people navigating a difficult and often stressful subject.

The event is in-person and streamed over Zoom but we would highly recommend people attend in person, as the necessary forms and additional information will be available there. Here is the registration link for anyone interested in attending.
SAVE THE DATE: Belmont Bunny Hop

The Belmont Bunny Hop is on Saturday, April 16 from 10am - 2pm at businesses along Belmont Ave in Roscoe Village! Enjoy family-friendly crafts and activities and Easter-themed window decorations. Plus, get your tickets for photos and a meet & greet with the Easter Bunny! Learn more here.
Easter Egg Hunt!

Free event sponsored by Friends of Holstein Park to celebrate the return of Spring.

Where: Senior Citizens Memorial Park
When: April 2
Egg Hunt Ages (0-4): 10:00 AM
Egg Hunt Ages (5+): 10:30 AM
Suggested Donation: $10
-Cash or payment through Zelle preferred. Zelle account - friendsofholsteinpark@gmail.com

Chicago Park District Now Hiring
Chicago Park District Summer Employment - Now Available!
Seasonal position applications are available. The positions are posted on the park district website. 
THIS SATURDAY! Mortgage Assistance Event

Chicago's favorite indoor neighborhood food festival returns in March! Buy tickets to Savor Lincoln Park 2022 at the iconic Theater on the Lake to enjoy bites and sips from twenty Lincoln Park restaurants and bars.

Tuesday, March 22
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
Tickets are ON SALE NOW for the Spring Wine Walk on Thursday, April 7 from 5:30-8:30pm at businesses along Roscoe St and Southport Ave! Choose between three route options to taste 20 different wines while strolling through neighborhood shops and enjoying special discounts! Learn more and get your tickets here.
Cook County Justice Advisory Council Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant Opportunities

In 2022, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council seeks to award $65 million in grants for programs designed to prevent and reduce gun violence in Chicago & Suburban Cook County. Cook County Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grants will fund a variety of violence prevention strategies including mental health and employment services, street outreach, and case management as well as other programs which support residents at-risk of being involved in community violence. These grants are part of Cook County’s strategic plan for the nearly $1 billion of federal funding the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Covid-19 relief initiate. The grant application period is open now. Applications for proposals over $1.5 million are due by April 11, 2022. Applications for proposals under $1.5 million are due by May 9, 2022. For more information, click here.
We Need YOU to Serve the Community!

Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber and SSA 33 are seeking ambitious, creative, organized, and opinionated community leaders to join the Commission of Special Service Area #33 – the improvement district of the Wicker Park Bucktown business corridors. SSA #33 plays a pivotal role in streetscaping, landscaping, sidewalk snow removal, marketing, public art, aesthetics, safety, and more.
 
If you own or rent a PIN-holding property in SSA #33 along the business corridors of Ashland, Damen, Division, Milwaukee, North, or Western and like the idea of spending local tax dollars on improvements and services that benefit the entire community, come joins us. Multiple slots on the Commission are open. If you think you have the passion and ideas to keep Wicker Park Bucktown thriving, it's time for us to hear from you.
 
Small Business Resources

Business Education Webinars
The Dept of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) continues to offer free business education webinars. The webinars feature a variety of topics aimed at helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their business and are open to the public.

Register for a webinar and view the calendar by visiting Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation

Previous webinars are available for viewing by visiting YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP

Regional Business Centers
Chicago Business Centers (CBC) are eight Chicago-based business service organizations located in neighborhoods to serve as regional hubs providing business licensing assistance and other resources for small businesses. The eight centers fill the current gap of local business resources, particularly for entrepreneurs in historically under served locations and populations. To learn more about the Chicago Business Center and to set up a consultation with your local CBC, visit www.Chicago.gov/CBC.
 
Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDCs)
BACP provides hyper-local support to entrepreneurs and business owners through the Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) Program, which is a network of nearly 70 grantees that are Chicago-based nonprofit business service organizations providing free business development assistance and located throughout the City. NBDCs have a strong neighborhood network and can help start-up entrepreneurs, and existing business owners, with connecting businesses to financial resources, business-to-business networking opportunities, employment and workforce development assistance and more. Find the nearest, or most appropriate, NBDC delegate agency.

Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

BACP is committed to providing accessibility for all individuals, including people with disabilities. To request accessibility, please contact BACP at BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org, 312-744-6060. 
 
Wednesday, 3/23 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Getting Started in SEO: An Introduction to Search Engine Optimization
Presented by Edwin Romero (Independent SEO Consultant)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or the process of improving search engine visibility, is a marketing channel that is often either overlooked or misunderstood by small business owners. In this webinar, we will review the significance of SEO for small business owners, how SEO can serve as a long term, cost efficient marketing channel and what fundamental best practices should be kept in mind when optimizing for SEO.

Friday, 3/25 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Presented by Sandra Cavoto Insurance Agency
In this session, attendees will learn the coverages needed for their business. We'll discuss the right questions to ask your insurance professional and how to protect yourself and your business against lawsuits.

Wednesday, 3/30 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Small Business Marketing: What To Know, How to Start & What to Expect
Presented by Score Chicago
Learn about the fundamentals of marketing, why small business need marketing, how small business can start marketing and what results you can expect.